Abstract
The majority of ectopic pregnancies (EP) are tubal pregnancies, but other implantation
sites outside the uterus and tubes are also found. These rare EP locations present
a particular diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. We present an overview of potential
very rare locations of ectopic pregnancies, their symptoms, diagnosis and treatment,
based on a systematic analysis of case reports. A literature review of the databases
PubMed, Livivo and Google Scholar for the period 2007 to 2019 was carried out. A total
of 113 publications were included in our review. These studies describe EP implantations
in the posterior cul-de-sac, on the uterine serosa and uterine ligaments, in the vicinity
of almost all intraperitoneal organs, on the abdominal wall as well as in retroperitoneal
sites. The most common presenting symptom was abdominal pain occurring in different
locations. The diagnostic procedures included various imaging procedures and/or explorative
surgery at different
advanced stages of pregnancy. The most common and preferred option was laparotomy
for surgical treatment. The placenta was successfully resected in the majority of
cases. A rare EP location should be considered when making a differential diagnosis
in patients of child-bearing age with abdominal pain.
Key words
ectopic pregnancy - rare locations - abdominal pregnancy
